By Christine
Cancer control should not be left to the Ministry of Health alone, but should be a shared responsibility involving communities, schools, religious and cultural leaders, politicians and other stakeholders.
The call was made today during the Rotary Cancer Run held at St. Mary’s minor Seminary SS Virika in Fort Portal City, where hundreds of residents from Fort Portal and surrounding areas turned up to raise funds to support cancer treatment.
Speaking during the event, Rev. Fr. Charles Oyo, one of the participants in the run, urged people to use the period of mourning following the death of the King of Tooro to come together and support causes that save lives.
Fr. Oyo also reflected on the life of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, saying the king had grown into a young and promising leader with many dreams for the development of Tooro, but death cut those dreams short.
He reminded people that life and death are beyond human control, saying God gives life and also takes away.
He reminded people that life and death are beyond human control, saying God gives life and also takes away.
Meanwhile, Fort Portal City Health Officer Dr. Emmanuel Mugisa said cancer remains a major health challenge in Uganda.
Dr. Mugisa cited the 2024 global cancer report, saying one in eight Ugandans has a chance of developing cancer, while about 50 people are estimated to die from cancer every day in the country.
He said cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, while prostate cancer is common among men.
Dr. Mugisa called upon schools to embrace cancer vaccination programmes and educate learners about cancer prevention, transmission and treatment.He also urged Village Health Teams, or VHTs, to sensitize communities about vaccination and cancer prevention, while religious, cultural and political leaders should become ambassadors in the fight against the disease.
Representing Centenary Bank, one of the sponsors of the cancer run, Robert Katelega said the bank has over the years supported the Rotary Cancer Run to contribute towards cancer treatment and restore hope among patients.
Katelega encouraged the public to support cancer patients while they still have hope, instead of discriminating against or abandoning them.
Katelega encouraged the public to support cancer patients while they still have hope, instead of discriminating against or abandoning them.
The President of Rotary Club of Fort Portal, Doreen Kakyo, thanked residents for the big turn-up and appreciated all sponsors who contributed towards the cause.
Kakyo said the money raised from the cancer run will be sent to Nsambya Hospital in Kampala to support the purchase of cancer treatment equipment and improve cancer care.The Rotary Cancer Run is part of efforts to mobilize resources and increase public awareness in the fight against cancer